Esclat to Open First Hypermarket in Barcelona Next Week, Signaling Major Expansion
Barcelona, May 7, 2026 – The Bonpreu supermarket group is poised for a significant expansion in Catalonia, with its Esclat brand opening its first hypermarket in Barcelona next Wednesday, May 14th. The 2,000-square-meter facility, located on Riera Blanca street in the Sants-Montjuïc district, marks a new chapter for the company, which previously only operated smaller Bonpreu stores in the Catalan capital.
This Barcelona opening is one of 13 new stores the Bonpreu group plans to inaugurate this year across Catalonia, representing a substantial global investment of 165 million euros. The move underscores the company’s commitment to growth and its strategy to solidify its presence in the region’s competitive retail landscape.
Strategic Location and Comprehensive Offerings
The new Esclat hypermarket occupies a nearly 8,000-square-meter space, spread across a ground floor and a basement. Beyond the standard supermarket sections, the store will feature specialized areas including a fishmonger with a cooking oven, a bakery, rotisserie chickens, and a delicatessen. Additionally, it will house a drugstore and perfumery section, a bazaar, a parapharmacy, and a dedicated play area for children. The facility will also include a parking lot equipped with electric vehicle chargers, catering to modern consumer needs.
Expansion Amidst Evolving Consumer Trends
Bonpreu’s expansion strategy encompasses not only its supermarket and hypermarket chains but also its EsclatOil service stations. This aggressive growth comes at a time when the hypermarket format has faced challenges due to shifting consumer preferences towards proximity stores and online shopping, driven by a demand for convenience and lower prices.
Significant Investment in Logistics and Online Retail
A substantial portion of the 165 million euro investment for this year is allocated to enhancing logistical infrastructure. Bonpreu is developing a new platform in Montblanc (Conca de Barberà) to centralize operations and boost its distribution capacity. Furthermore, the company is redeveloping the former Danone factory in Parets (Vallès Oriental) into an automated warehouse specifically designed to support its online supermarket. This 30-million-euro remodeling project is being executed in partnership with the British technological multinational Ocado, a global leader in e-commerce software and hardware development.
Strong Financial Performance and Future Outlook
While awaiting the official release of its 2025 financial results, the Bonpreu group had projected a record turnover of 2.6 billion euros for the past year, as announced by company president Joan Font at a sector conference. This forecast represents an 8.3% increase, surpassing the 7% growth recorded in 2024. This robust financial performance provides a strong foundation for the group’s ambitious expansion plans.
The opening of the Esclat hypermarket in Barcelona signifies a strategic move by Bonpreu to capture a larger market share and adapt to evolving retail dynamics, reinforcing its position as a key player in the Catalan economy.
Source: elperiodico.com.cat
